ANIMAL HANDLER’S DRUG RAP

A WILDLIFE handler had to pay $150 compensation after being caught with a drug glass pipe while visiting a friend.

Luke Adrian Sheppard pleaded guilty in Southport Magistrate Court on Tuesday to possessing utensils or pipes that had been used.

The 27-year-old was caught with a glass pipe that had been used for methamphetamines on February 8.

Police prosecutor Christopher Freeman said police were told about drug-affected people at the Tiki Hotel in Surfers Paradise at 11.30am.

When asked by police if he had anything on him he shouldn’t, Sheppard handed over a glass pipe from his waistband, Mr Freeman said.

The court was told Sheppard worked as a wildlife handler at a sanctuary but he was unable to work there due to Covid-19 restrictions. He does cleaning jobs and is on Centrelink until he can return to the sanctuary, the court was told.

Magistrate Veena Goverdhan fined Sheppeard $150 and ordered him to attend a drug-assistant education session.